When things get overwhelming, I take walks and I make lists. This is a doozy. But the painters are supposed to start this week, which means they’ll be done next week, and the remodel will be (imperfectly) DONE so it’s definitely time to settle. I wonder how many I can check off before the end of the year.
- rehang curtains
- unpack books/organize bookcases
- unpack china
- find/purchase/hang curtains for our bedroom
- get new handle for my bedside table
- replace Jesse’s table
- set up and organize game cart in dining room
- hang bird houses in art room
- find table/chairs for art room
- find sewing machine & hem V’s curtains
- help V hang collage wall
- hang family picture collage wall in hallway
- schedule plumber to fix shower knobs
- organize memory boxes from kid’s stuff
- get closet/desk organization for Abram’s room
- clean out “extra” tech drawer in desk
- get art room closet organized
- purge/organize utility room
- schedule vent cleaning
- find chairs for Jesse’s fire patio
- have friends over to enjoy patio
- repaint front porch rocking chairs
- replace outdoor door mat
- find desk chair
- find table for record player
- reorganize desk files
- set up home care binder
- remove carpet in basement
- paint basement room
- repair green cabinet in family room
- purge/organize our closet shelves
- garage deep clean/purge
- get car charger installed
- update garden/landscape plan
- frame/hang paint by number and jewel art collage wall
- purge/organize “junk” drawer in laundry room
- reorganize cubbies
- find rug for back mud room back door
That’s a pretty hefty list! I have a running punch list of house things to do. It’s very satisfying when I can cross an item off of it. But then another one goes on. It helps me to think of it as a running list rather than a fixed one. There’s always more to do with a home, which is OK—good even! I think it’s a sign that we are alive and living.
Oh yes – there is an endless running list. And I know I’ll add things, but this is a good snapshot and I like the idea of finishing one in its entirety. I need that right now (even if it takes me a bit to finish it). I love how different brains need different coping strategies!!
I can’t imagine your running list right now, but I hope you’re feeling accomplished as you check things off. Has it cooled down at all?!!!
It’s been a little cooler, but still really hot. In the 90’s every day, and I’m not sure what the heat index is. This morning the temp was 82, but heat index was at 96. At 8:32.
The struggle is real. We have many things in progress, but it does feel good to do things where we can really see things happening. I’m sure you can relate.
Oh Rita, I can’t imagine that kind of heat. And I certainly can’t imagine doing all the work you’re doing in it. Sending iced tea and cold shower thoughts your way!!
Wowzers—this *is* quite the list! I LOVE organizing bookshelves, and doing little repairs such as “get new handle for my bedside table” fill me with an inordinate sense of accomplishment. But I admit that doing things like “find rug for back mud room back door” exhaust me. (I will do nearly anything to avoid shopping!) Like you and Rita, I also have a running list, one that never, ever goes away or gets fully completed, which is disheartening. I’d love to be better at getting things done, but maybe part of the solution is for me to (finally) make peace with taking things off the list that have been there for years and that I *know* I’ll never do. (Yikes, I think I’m getting far too philosophical for a post about lists!)
Does “remove carpet in basement” signal yet-another reno?
We’re transitioning what was once a lovely spare bedroom into a functional home gym, but (hopefully) that will involve just a little paint, the removal of carpet/padding, and putting down some rubber mats that we can do ourselves.
After this last reno, I don’t have that heart to tackle another big project for a VERY long time.
I don’t mind the rug one but only because I know exactly what I want. I just have to convince myself to actually order the stupid thing. (It’s been in my “shopping cart” at least 10 times I just can’t bring myself to buy it even though I know it would make life easier because it is NOT a need – I can walk around and through the garage and use the mat there instead.)
And the handle is one that has been on my list for years and I just never do it. It would make life so much easier – it’s been busted since we moved here (almost 11 years now) which is embarrassing to admit but I just use pull on the drawer from the bottom to open it. I WILL get it done.
And no such thing as too philosophical for a list!! Good to hear from you! Xoxo.
I’m a lady of the list, too. It makes me feel productive which is a feeling I like. Your list is long, but every item on it makes sense to me. I know your feeling of not wanting to tackle any more remodeling after managing one big project. Then, of course, the house has other ideas.
Shhhh. The house is going to cooperate. Only smaller, little putter projects for a bit. I am quite sure I don’t have the constitution for more.
That is the longest to do list that I’ve ever seen Kate.
When overwhelmed it’s a great idea to make a list! I also make my to do list to help me remember what I want to do. Although I do sometimes strike out items after an hour just because I think it’s no longer important to me. This is good! Better is giving a check mark that I completed the item!!
I don’t know why but I have not been getting your post notifications since end of May, so I am behind with your blog.
By the time you see this comment the painters will have come and gone. And best of all you will have checked off some items on this list!
I have a contract on my old house and a contract on a new construction house. We close on both August 22 and I begin moving from my senior living apartment to the new construction house. I’m so happy about it all. Keeping my fingers crossed that it all works out. Making short lists to do. Walking Yorkie on the bay sea wall a lot. It’s been 103 degrees. It is hotter than hot!
It’s so wonderful to hear from you, TD. But sadly, the painters have NOT come and gone yet. It’s been that kind of project. I’m learning patience.
So glad you hear you’re doing well and happy about all that is going on in your world. 103° IS hotter than hot. We’re supposed to be in the 90’s this week and I am NOT happy about it!
I hear ya on that Kate! So aggregating! When I was in my new kitchen to be…I saw the white subway tile and thought of you. I don’t remember what you chose while you were sorting through tile choices. But I do remember you mentioned that you could always go with the subway tile. So, I giggled when I saw it. I am buying this new house already built so I have no big design decisions to make other than 5 blackout windows coverings and a washer and dryer. I went to LOWES today to do that. It was easy!
I haven’t gotten very far on catching up on what I missed with your blog, but I am determined. 😉
I love white subway tile. It’s such a classic! I have it in my kitchen too! So we’ll match. 😉
Hope things are moving smoothly toward getting in your new house!